Honda HR-V sticks to winning recipe

The saying goes if it’s not broke, don’t fix it and that is exactly what Honda did when they upgraded their popular HR-V recently.

The innovative crossover between a SUV and MPV – one of the Japanese manufacturer’s top sellers in the local market since its introduction in 2015 – has undergone minor cosmetic tweaks to its front and rear end and will feature model-specific upgrades to the upholstery, fabric and finishes inside.

In addition, the HR-V’s full-featured infotainment system has also been standardised across the range.

The updated HR-V model range still offers a choice of Comfort and Elegance trim levels, as well as 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre drivetrains featuring Honda’s i-VTEC technology and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearboxes.

The 1.5 Comfort CVT is powered by Honda’s well-established 1 497cc four-cylinder engine, featuring i-VTEC variable valve timing and electronic fuel injection delivering 88kW of maximum power.

The 1.8 Elegance CVT employs a 1 799cc four-cylinder engine producing 105kW.

While the updated model retains all of the outgoing model’s core characteristics and benefits, it delivers new, striking styling elements that transform the front and rear appearance.

The addition of new colours underline the HR-V’s youthful appeal.

The interior retains Honda’s unique Magic Seat System which allows exceptional space utilisation, but features model-specific upgrades to the upholstery, fabric and finishes.

The Magic Seat system is made possible by the HR-V’s centrally located fuel tank, which allows a flat rear cabin floor.

The split rear bench seat can be folded forward conventionally to extend the 393-litre luggage compartment to a capacious 1 002 litres.

Safety remains an HR-V priority with a full complement of active and safety systems that includes six airbags, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and emergency braking indicators.

Pricing

• 1.5 Comfort CVT R354 900
• 1.8 Elegance CVT R419 900

The retail prices include a five-year/200 000 km warranty, a four-year/60 000 km service plan, and a three-year AA Roadside Assistance package.

Services remain at 15 000km intervals.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.